Railway truck



- June 22, 1937. D, L.- TowNsEND 2,084,543

RAILWAY TRUCK Filed oct. 19, 193s s shees-sheet 1 31a/vento@ June 22, 1937. D. L'. TowNsr-:ND 2,084,543.

RAILWAY TRUCK l Filed Oct. 19, 1953 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 June 22, 1937; D. L, TOWNSEND 2,084,543

RAILWAY TRUCK Filed 001;. 19. 1933 3 SheetS-Sheerl 3 Patented June 22, 1937 UNITED .sTATEs PATENT oFFicE RAILWAY rmuck lDonald L. Townsend, Rochester, N. Y., assignor to The Symington-Gould Corporation, Rochester, N. Y., a corporation of Maryland pplication October 19, 1933, Serial No. 694,332

14 Claims.

.in which the bolsters are supported from associated side frames by means of nests of springs I involving leaf or elliptic springs associated with helical or coil springs and employing improved spring plates, preferably formed of pressed metal, for holding the springs of the nests in proper relation with respect to one another and the vassociated frames, said plates being particularly adapted to more positively retain the bands of the elliptic or leaf springs in normal position.

Another object of my invention is the provision of pressed spring plates or caps adapted for use with nests of springs involving both elliptic or leaf springs and helical or coil springs.

Other-objects and advantages of the invention relating to the particular arrangement and construction of the various parts will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Referring to the drawings illustrating my invention, the scope whereof is defined by the appended claims:-

Figure 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a. railway truck embodying my invention.

Figure 2 is an elevational view of the nest of springs shown in Figure 1 detached-from the truck and looking in a direction at Aright angles to that of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a plan of the nest of springs shown in Figures 1 and 2, a portion of the upper spring plate being removed.

Figure 4 is a detail plan of one of the interchangeable spring plates shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.

Figure 5 is a transverse sectional 'view on the line 5-5 of Figure 4, locking in the direction of the arrows.v

Figures 6, 7 and 8 are fragmentary sectional views on the correspondingly numbered lines of Figure 4, looking in the directions ofthe arrows.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary plan corresponding to Figure 4, but showing another embodiment of my invention.

Figures .10 and 11 are fragmentary sectional views on the correspondingly numbered lines of Figure 9, looking in the directions of the arrows,

position.

Figure 12 is a fragmentary plancorresponding to Figure 4, but showing a further embodiment of my invention.

Figures 13 and 14 are fragmentary sectional views on the correspondingly numbered lines of Figure 12, looking in t'he directions of the arrows.

Figurev 15 is a fragmentary view corresponding to Figure 12, but showing a still further embodiment of my invention.

Figure 16 is a fragmentary sectional view on l the correspondingly numbered line of Figure 15,

l looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 17 is a fragmentary plan corresponding to Figure 15, but showing an additional embodiment of my invention.

Figure 18 is a fragmentary sectional view on the correspondingly numbered line 0f Figure 1'7, looking inv the direction of the arrows.

Referring to the drawings in detail, like parts being designated by like reference characters, and first considering the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures l to 8, inclusive, there is shown aporton of a railway truck i involving a pair of side frames 2, only one of which is illustrated, receiving the ends of a bolster 3, only one end 0f which is illustrated. The bolster 3 extends into the window openings 4 `of the frames 2, each window opening beingdeiined by a compression member 5, a tension member 6, and bolster guide columns 1. Supportedl at each end on the tension member of a frame beneath the window openings 4, in the present embodiment, is a spring plank 8, between which and the bolster 3 is a nest of springs 9, disposed adjacent each end of the associated plank and bolster in the correspon-ding window opening.

In 'the present embodiment, each nest of springs 9 comprises' four helical or coil springs i0 and an elliptic or banded leaf spring or series of leaf springs held together by bands,` the assembled spring -or springs being designated by the reference character il. Each spring II, in the present embodiment, comprises a stack or series of curved spring plates or leaves l2 held together intermediate their ends by bands I3, the outer surfaces of which may be slightly convex to correspond with the curvature of the .secured leaves and divided into upper and lower groups, with their end portions separated by end blocks I4, in accordance with the usual practice for full elliptic springs. In order to hold the elliptic and coil springs in proper position between the bolster and spring plank, I employ preferably interchangeable 'upper and lower pressed metal spring caps or plates I5 and i6, said plates being formed tol surround or partially house the spring blades as well as being provided with collars I1 extending toward the collars on the associated plate and normally surrounded by the associated .coil or helical springs for centering purposes. The spring plates also directly engage the adjacent ends of the coil springs, thereby providing elevating seats for said springs; higher or closer to one another than the seats for the elliptic spring bands, which pass through apertures I8 in the plates, thereby avoiding overstressing' the leaves of said elliptic spring or a1- lowing for a greater travel of said spring than would otherwise be permissible.

Each plate or cap I5 and I6 comprises side portions I9 and 20 provided with the collars I1, previously referred to, and`each desirably provided with a positioning or centering nibi 2I deuniting with portions spaced from, but generally parallel to, said planes, so that they are arched toward the corresponding portions on the associated plate or cap, as shown most clearly in Figure 2, thereby providing clearance with respect to the spring plank and frame corrugations 24 and 25', respectively. It will be understood that these plates are particularly adapted for use with frames of the type described and claimed in the Barrows Patent No. 1,652,808, dated Decer'nber 13, 1927, which frames have corrugations or reinforcements in the angles between the lower portions of the guide columns and the portions of the tension member therebetween.

In order to increase the bearing area between the edges of .the plates defining the openings I8 which receive the outer portions of the bands I3 of the elliptic spring II, each plate or cap desirably has the substantially coplanar arched portions 22 and 23 flanged, as indicated at 24 and 25, in a direction opposite to that of the arching, but not extending beyond the plane of the base surfaces, thereby avoiding interference with the seating of the plates on flat supporting, or supported, areas. For the same reason, the edges of the side portions I9 and 2li defining the corresponding opening I8 are desirably provided with iianges 26 and 21 extending from the plate or cap in a direction opposite to that of the flanges 24 and 25. Each plate I5 and I6 is desirably relieved or cut away at the corners of the opening I8, as indicated at 28, to facilitate manufacture. It Will, therefore, be seen that each spring band is positioned or centered by being partially housed between the iianges 24, 25, 26 and 2l defining the spring band receiving openings I8 in the plates or caps, whereby the elliptic springs are efficiently held in desired relation with respect to the coil springs and associated parts of the truck.

Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures 9, 10 and 11, a construction is there disclosed which is similar to that of Figures 1 to 8, inclusive,l except that the edges of the side portions I 9'and 20i of the plate I5a defining the spring band aperture I8 are corrugated in the same direction as the arching of the connecting portions 22a and the coil spring positioning iianges Il, as indicated at 29, the

and side frame, as shown in Figure 1.

inner edges of said corrugated portions being defined by flanges 2Iil and 2`|l extending in a direction opposite to that of the spring positioning collars or flanges Il". It will, therefore, be seen that in the present embodiment the elliptic spring band I3', diagrammatically indicated, is confined between two anges 25" and the anges 26' and 21, all of which extend away from thespring, rather than between four flanges, two of which extend toward and two of which extend away from the spring, as in the preceding' embodiment. Except as specifically described in connection with the present embodiment, the same may correspond with that of the preceding embodiment.

Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures 12, 13 and 14, a construction is there disclosed which corresponds with that of Figures 1 to 8, inclusive, except that the portions 22b connecting the sides I9b of each plate which engage the coil springs (not shown) slope outwardly and toward the corresponding portions on the adjacent plate, as shown most clearly in Figure 13, thereby providing corrugated portions corresponding more closely with the corrugations 24' and 25 on the associated plank On account of the fact that the inner'portions of these sloping connecting portions 22R lie in the plane of the side portions I9b or of the original plate, the inner edge or that defining the spring band aperture I8b is flanged upwardly or toward the corresponding iiange on the associated plate, as indicated at 25h, or in a direction corresponding with that of the flanges 26b on the corresponding edges of the side portions ISD. In the present embodiment, the stiffness of the restraining means including the ilanges 26h is enhanced by the provision of triangular flange portions 30, the planes of which are angularly disposed to the respective inner edges of the sides I9b, which are formed by slitting the plate and bending out from the side portions |95 to provide inner edges adapted to engage the adjacent portions of the elliptic spring band. Except as specically described in connection with the present embodiment, the same may correspond with that of the' first embodiment.

Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures 15 and 16, a construction is there disclosed which is identical with that of Figures 12, 13 and 14, except that the triangular portions 30 which are struck up from the side portions |90 are bent over or doubled, as indicated at 3|, thereby providing a greater width for the band engaging portions thereof as compared with that of the preceding form. Except as specifically described, the present embodiment may correspond with that of Figures 12, 13 and 14,

Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures 17 and 18, a Aconstruction is there disclosed which corresponds with that of Figures 12, 13 and 14, except that instead of flanging the inner edges of the side portions ISd, portions outwardly of the spring band receiving aperture I8d are severed and the metal which is cut out, except for one edge, is bent or doubled over on the remaining portion so as to provide an increased thickness at the spring band aperture defining edge, as indicated at 26d. The shape of the apertures 32, provided by this operation, is desirably such that. the end portions of the bent-over metal 2lid may be bent out at right angles to provide generally triangular portions 33 corresponding generally with the por- CII From the foregoing disclosure, it will be seen.'

that I -have devised a pressed metal spring plate, represented by several embodiments, which serves to more positively retain the associated band of an elliptic or leaf spring in normal position. Al'

though I have shown my plates or caps associated with both coil and elliptic springs and bothv above and below said springs, it will be understood that I do not wish to be limited to this showing. Although Fig. 1 shows a spring plank` 8, it will be understood that the plank may Abe omitted, if desired, and the spring nest and its plates directly supported on .the frame, with or without a iiller plate therebeneath. Although the embodiments of Figures 9 to 18, inclusive, do not show full plans of a cap on plate, it will be understood that the portions not shown, and on opposite sides of the center lines indicated, corre-l spond with the portions shown.

Although preferred embodiments of my invention have been illustrated, it will be understood that additional modifications may occur to those skilledin the art Within the spirit and scope oi the app`ended,claims.l

1. A spring nest adapted for insertion in the bolster opening of a railway vehicle side frame for the support of an associated bolster, comprising upper and lower plates formed to interlock with both helical and elliptic springs therebe-` tween, said plates for that purpose having side portions adapted to engage said helical springs, and spaced portions connecting said side portions and lying on opposite sides of the springk bands of said elliptic spring, said spaced portions being arched toward one another and formed with flanges extending away from one another, but disposed between the planes of the base surfaces of said plates, and adapted to overlie the adjacent portions of said-bands ,for .increasing the engaging area thereof.

2. A spring nest adapted for insertion in the bolster opening of a railway vehicle side frame for the support of an associated bolster, comprising upper and ,lower spring plates formed toi interlock with both helical and elliptic springs therebetween, said plates for that purpose having vside portions adapted to engage said helical springs and spaced portions connecting said side portions and lying on opposite sides of the spring bands of said elliptic spring, said spaced portions including parts diagonally disposed with respect to the planes of said plates. and toward yone another sowas to provide clearance for receiving corrugationson an associated /spring plank or side frame, and other parts formed as' flanges extending generally normal to, and disposed between, the planes of said plates and adapted to overlie the adjacent portions of said bands.

3. A spring plate for a truck spring unit, comprising helical and banded leaf springs, consisting of side portions adapted to engage said helical springs, and spaced portions connecting said side portions and adapted to lie on opposite sides of a spring band of said leaf springs, said spaced portions being arched away from, and

the adjacent portions of the associated band for increasing the contacting area thereof.-

' 4. A spring plate for a truck spring unit, comprising helical and banded leaf springs, consisting ofside portions adapted to engage said helical springs, and spaced portions connecting said side portions and adapted to lie on opposite sides of a spring band oi.' said leaf springs, said spaced 'portions being arched away from, and provided with flanges extending toward, the plane of the side portions, and adapted to engage adjacent portions oi' the associated band, the adjacent edges of said side portions having iianges extending from the plane of said portions in av direction opposite to that of the mst-mentioned flanges and also adapted to engage adjacent portions cf the associated band.

5. A spring plate for a truck spring unit, comprising helical and banded leaf springs, consisting of side portions adapted to engage said helical springs, and spaced portions connecting said side portions and adapted to lie on opposite sides of a springy band of said leaf springs, said spaced portions being arched away from, and provided with flanges extending toward, the plane of the side portions and adapted to engage the adjacent portions of the associated band, the parts of said side portions adjacent the edges defining the spring band receiving aperture being corrugated in a direction corresponding with the arching of the spaced portions, the adjacent edges of the corrugated portions including flanges extending toward the plane of the side portions.

6. A spring plate for a truck spring unit, comprising helical and banded leaf springs, consisting ing of side portions adapted to engage said helical springs, and spaced portions connecting said side portions and adapted to lie on opposite sides of a spring band of said leaf springs, said spaced portions sloping outwardly and away from the plane of the side portions so as to provide corrugations adapted to interlock with corresponding corrugations on an associated spring plank vor side frame, the adjacent edges of said sloping portions being provided with flanges extending away from the plane of the side portions in a direction corresponding with the sloping of said portions.

'7. A spring plate for a truck spring unit, comprising helical and ,banded leaf springs, consisting of side portions adapted to engage said helical springs, and spaced portions connecting said side portions and adapted to lie on opposite sides of a spring band of said leaf springs, said spaced portion sloping outwardly and away from the plane of the side portions so as to provide corrugations adapted to interlock with corresponding corrugations on an associated spring plank or side frame, the adjacent edges of said side portions having notches cut therein adjacent the ends and the metal bent into planes normal to that of said side portions so that the adjacent edges are adapted to engage opposite portions of said spring band.

8. A spring plate for a truck spring unit, comprisinghelical and banded leaf springs, consisting of side' portions adapted to engage said helical springs, and spaced portions connecting said side portions and adapted to lie on opposite sides of a spring band of said leaf springs, the adjacent edges of said side portions having lugs struck out near the ends and adapted to en- -gage adjacent portions of said spring band.

9. A spring plate for a truck spring unit, comprising helical and V,banded leaf springs, consisting of side portions adapted to engage said helical springs, and spaced portions connecting said side portionsand adaptedto` deiine an aperture and lie on opposite sides of a spring band of said leaf springs, said side portions being notched on opposite sides of said spring band receiving aperture in said plate, the metal from said notched portions being bent over so as to be angulariy disposed with respect to the plane I the plate so that the edges of the bent over portions are adapted to engage adjacent portions of said spring band.

10. A spring plate for a nest of truck springs comprising side portions adapted to engage helical springs, and spaced portions connecting said side portions and adapted to lie on opposite sides of a spring band of leaf springs, said spaced portions having parts diagonally disposed with respect to the plane of the side portions and flanges disposed on the same side of the.plate as thev diagonally disposed parts and adapted to engage the portions of the associated band at the sides of said leaf springs, and iianges of lesser height on the side portions and adapted to extend across the leaf springs and engage the adjacent portions of said band.

11. A spring plate for a nest of truck springs comprising side portions formed with spring positioning collars adapted to cooperate with helical springs, and spaced portions connecting said side portions and adapted to lie on opposite sides of a spring band of leaf spring, said spaced porl tions being substantially coplanar and arching away from the piane of the side portions and having iianges on the sainev side of the plate as the arching portions and adapted to engage the adjacent portions of the associated band.

12. A spring plate for a nest of truck springs comprising side portions formed with collars adapted to cooperate with helical springs, and spaced portions connecting said side portions and adapted to lie on opposite sides of a spring band of leal.l springs, said spaced portions arching away from the plane of the side portions and adapted' to engage adjacent portions of said spring band, the parts of said side portions adjacent the edges dening the spring band reof leaf springs, said spaced portions sloping outwardly and away from the plane of the side portions so as to provide corrugations adapted to interlock with corresponding corrugations of an associated spring plank or side frame, said side portions having parts slit and bent'to provide upstanding flanges, the planes of said iianges being angularly disposed to the respective inner edges of said portions.

14. A spring plate for a nest of truck springs comprising side portions, the adjacent edges of which have iianges of a height corresponding approximately with the thickness of the adjacent portions of a spring band of associated leaf springs, having base surfaces,and the opposite surfaces of which are adapted to engage springs, and spaced portions connecting said side portions and adapted to lie on opposite sides of i' said spring band, said spaced portions having parts diagonally disposed with respect to said base surfaces, and other parts forming flanges, considerably higher than said rst-mentioned flanges, adapted to engage the adjacent portions of said band and` extend beyond the base plane of the outermost springs for increasing the contacting area thereof.

DONALD L. TOWNSEND. 

